About
The character 凌, whose traditional form is identical, is composed of the ice radical (冫) on the left and the phonetic component 夌 on the right. Its earliest meanings were connected to the concept of ice, specifically referring to ice accumulating or a block of ice, which aligns with its radical. From this physical basis, the character developed more abstract and verbal meanings, extending to signify actions like rising above, towering over, or surpassing something, as suggested by the component 夌 which carries connotations of ascent. Over time, these meanings further expanded to include senses such as to insult or bully, implying a metaphorical rising above or overpowering of another, and to approach or draw near, as in the break of day.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
凌晨三点，他还没睡。
他从不欺凌弱小。
她的头发有点凌乱。
山峰凌驾于云层之上。
直升机凌空而过。
她的意志凌驾于困难之上。
这些指控纯属欺凌和诬蔑。
梅花凌寒独自开。